Stranger than fiction

They shouldn’t exist! 10 humans with mind-blowing abilities

Image: Joshua Earle

Some people are born with abilities that seem straight out of a comic book. These extraordinary senses—whether heightened sight, smell, or even resistance to pain—are all backed by science. While rare, these real-life superpowers offer a fascinating glimpse into the extremes of human potential. Here are 10 remarkable sensory abilities found in real people.

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Some people have "super vision" thanks to tetrachromacy, a condition in which they possess four types of cone cells in their eyes instead of the usual three. This allows them to see a broader range of colors, including subtle shades invisible to most people.

Tetrachromacy is more common in women, as the genetic mutation is linked to the X chromosome. Studies suggest that tetrachromats may distinguish up to 100 million colors—far beyond the roughly 1 million that most people can perceive.

Image: Alex Guillaume

Around 25% of people are "supertasters," meaning they have an unusually high number of taste buds. This heightened sensitivity makes them perceive bitter and sweet flavors more intensely than others.

Supertasters often avoid bitter foods like coffee, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, but they may also experience a richer perception of flavors overall. Their ability is linked to a gene called TAS2R38, which affects taste receptors on the tongue.

Image: National Cancer Institute

Some people have a genetic mutation in the LRP5 gene that makes their bones significantly denser and more fracture-resistant. Their skeletons are almost unbreakable compared to the average person.

This mutation has been studied in families with exceptionally strong bones. Researchers hope it could lead to treatments for osteoporosis, offering insight into improving bone density in aging populations.

Image: Anastasiya Badun

Individuals with superior hearing may have a condition called hyperacusis, which allows them to detect sounds at much lower volumes than the average person. Some can even hear frequencies that are typically beyond human perception.

However, hyperacusis can be a double-edged sword—while it allows for extraordinary auditory sensitivity, it can also cause discomfort or even pain in everyday noisy environments. Some musicians and sound engineers reportedly have a mild form of hyperacusis.

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A rare genetic mutation in the SCN9A gene makes certain people unable to feel pain. They can suffer injuries—or even break bones—without experiencing discomfort.

While this might sound like a superpower, it's actually quite dangerous. Pain is essential for survival, as it signals injury or harm. People with this condition often injure themselves unknowingly and may require constant medical supervision.

Image: Eli DeFaria

Hyperosmia, an enhanced sense of smell, allows some individuals to detect odors that others can’t. This ability is often linked to genetics, but can also be influenced by certain neurological conditions.

Some hyperosmics work as professional "noses" in the perfume industry, identifying and analyzing complex scents. Others use their ability in medicine, detecting diseases like Parkinson’s through smell alone.

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Some people possess a genetic mutation in the ACTN3 gene that enhances muscle function and improves resistance to cold. This mutation is more common in Arctic populations, helping them survive extreme conditions.

Dutch athlete Wim Hof, popularly known as "The Iceman," has demonstrated remarkable cold endurance through meditation and breath control. Scientists believe his abilities result from a combination of genetic factors and intense training.

Image: Jamie Street

A small percentage of people can sense Earth’s magnetic field, similar to migratory birds. This ability, known as magnetoreception, is believed to be linked to the presence of cryptochrome proteins in the eye.

While most people are unaware of it, studies have shown that some can unconsciously detect magnetic directions. The exact mechanism is still being studied, but it hints at an ancient, possibly dormant, human navigation system.

Image: Anita Jankovic

Hyperthymesia is an ability where people remember nearly every detail of their lives, down to specific dates and conversations. Only a handful of people worldwide have been diagnosed with it.

Individuals with hyperthymesia can recall past events with photographic precision, often describing experiences from decades ago as if they just happened. Scientists believe their brains process memory differently, though the exact mechanisms remain unknown.

Image: Fitsum Admasu

Elite sprinters often carry a variation of the ACTN3 gene, also known as the "speed gene," which enhances fast-twitch muscle fibers responsible for rapid acceleration.

While training plays a major role, genetic predisposition gives some athletes a significant advantage. This gene variant is found more frequently in world-class sprinters than in the general population.

PRESIDENTIAL TALES

The Surprising Backstories Behind 10 U.S. Presidents

Image: National Archives and Records Administration

Presidents of the United States are often expected to be larger-than-life—sort of superhuman—personalities, leading the nation with gravity and responsibility. However, just like anyone, they have normal lives, peculiar interests, and sometimes even intriguing personal backstories.

From unconventional hobbies to surprising personal struggles, here are 10 U.S. Presidents with untold tales that might just reshape the way you perceive these historical figures.

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President, wasn't just known for his eloquent speeches and great leadership during the Civil War. Surprisingly, "Honest Abe" was also a very skilled wrestler in his younger days. With over 300 matches under his belt, Lincoln only ever lost one, earning him a reputation as a formidable opponent in the ring.

Image: Nikolay Tchaouchev

While Calvin Coolidge may be mostly remembered for his quiet demeanor, his private life revealed a different side. Coolidge had a penchant for unusual pets, and during his stay at the White House, he turned it into a mini zoo. Besides many other more conventional pets, he owned two raccoons, a donkey, a bobcat, several lion cubs, a Pygmy hippopotamus, a wallaby, a duiker, an antelope, a black bear, and 13 Pekin ducks. Quite the exotic collection!

Image: Albert Antony

In 1969, years before becoming the 39th President, Jimmy Carter reported a UFO sighting in Georgia. He described seeing a bright light in the night sky that changed colors before disappearing. A few years later, Carter even filed an official report with the International UFO Bureau, making him the only U.S. President to document a personal encounter with unidentified flying objects.

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Known as the "Father of His Country", George Washington had a side hustle that might surprise many. In 1799, he became one of the largest whiskey producers in the United States, operating a distillery on his Mount Vernon estate. Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799 alone. Despite this, Washington was a strong proponent of moderation, knowing well the dangers of drinking alcohol in excess.

Image: Austrian National Library

Beyond his many political achievements, Teddy Roosevelt was an avid boxer throughout his life. He kept a boxing gym in the White House and sparred with various aides and diplomats.

While he embraced vigorous physical activities as a means of fighting various health issues, he was occasionally injured. He reportedly lost sight in one eye due to a detached retina from a particularly intense boxing match with a military aide, proving that he truly embodied his maxim: Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Image: Tyler Palmer

John Quincy Adams, the 6th President, had an unconventional daily routine. He was known for skinny-dipping in the cold waters of the Potomac River every morning, believing it invigorated both his body and mind. At the time, it wasn’t odd to bathe naked in a river, but his doctor wasn’t fully convinced of the health benefits of his peculiar practice. However, Adams staunchly defended his right to do so, and sometimes even invited family members or political acquaintances to join him in the Potomac.

Image: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

Before entering politics, Gerald Ford left his mark in the fashion industry. In his late twenties, he worked as a model, even appearing on the cover of Cosmopolitan in 1942. Ford's modeling career was short-lived, as a few years later he would start campaigning in local Republican politics, but it adds an unexpected layer to the image of the 38th President.

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Often remembered for his shortcomings—like the Watergate scandal—Richard Nixon had a hidden musical talent: playing the piano. Reportedly, he was an accomplished pianist, even performing with the likes of Pearl Bailey and Jack Benny. Behind his political mask, he was an intelligent and sensitive man, and while his musical abilities were overshadowed by his political career, it shows that there’s always more to a person than meets the eye.

Image: Alicia Razuri

Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President and one of the most influential political figures in the history of our country, was known for being proficient in several languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, and German. He was interested in linguistics and studied ancient languages like Latin, Greek, and even Old English. Documents found posthumously in his library suggest that he was also interested in Arabic, Irish, and Welsh, but it is unknown how proficient he was in those languages.

Image: Camille Brodard

Before Ronald Reagan entered politics, he worked as a lifeguard, saving 77 lives during his seven summers on duty. He even saved a little girl from drowning while serving as Governor of California! Reagan's transition from lifeguard to Hollywood actor eventually paved the way for his political career, proving that even the most unexpected career paths can lead to the highest office.